Ilia Malinin Dominates World Championships With Record Score

In an exhilarating display of athleticism and precision, Ilia Malinin, the so-called "Quad God," captured his second consecutive title at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships held in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 29, 2025. With a breathtaking performance in the men's free skating event, Malinin not only defended his championship but also achieved a season-best total score of 318.56 points, outpacing his nearest competitor by over 30 points.

Malinin's free skate earned him a score of 208.15 points, showcasing his incredible talent and technical skill. Known for his daring quad jumps, he attempted seven quad jumps of six different types during his routine. His opening jump, a quad flip, garnered an impressive Grade of Execution (GOE) score of 4.24, setting the tone for a spectacular performance. Although one of his planned quads was downgraded to a double, he successfully landed five quad jumps, including the challenging quad axel, which he executed flawlessly in front of a packed TD Garden.

After his victory, Malinin expressed his emotions during a post-performance interview, stating, "I’m really proud that I finally landed the loop. I wanted to give it my all, and when I finished the performance, I felt relieved that it was over." His joy was evident as he smiled through his exhaustion, a testament to the effort he put into preparing for this championship.

In a remarkable showing of skill, Malinin became the only skater in the competition to successfully land the quad axel, a jump that has been notoriously difficult for many competitors. His ability to perform such complex elements under pressure solidifies his reputation as one of the premier figure skaters in the world today.

Following Malinin was Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov, who finished in second place with a total score of 287.47 points. Shaidorov had a commendable performance in the free skate, securing his position with a solid execution of his jumps, but he could not keep pace with Malinin's extraordinary routine.

Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, the silver medalist from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, faced challenges during his free skate. After starting strong in the short program, where he was in second place, Kagiyama struggled with his quad jumps in the free skate, ultimately finishing in third place with a total of 278.19 points. His performance included a downgrading of one of his quads to a double, and he also faced difficulties with balance, leading to a fall during his routine. Despite his struggles, Kagiyama's overall score secured him a spot on the podium.

In addition to the fierce competition among the top skaters, the event marked a significant achievement for the Japanese figure skating team. With Kagiyama and Sato Shun finishing as the top two competitors, Japan secured the maximum three quota spots for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Sato finished in sixth place with a total score of 270.56 points, showcasing his own potential for the future.

As the competition concluded, the atmosphere in Boston was electric, with American fans cheering on their athletes who excelled across various disciplines. The championships not only highlighted individual talent but also showcased the strength of the U.S. figure skating program, which saw victories in both men's and women's singles as well as ice dance.

Overall, the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 will be remembered for Malinin's historic performance and the competitive spirit displayed by all athletes involved. With the Olympics on the horizon, the excitement surrounding figure skating continues to grow, as fans eagerly await to see how these athletes will perform on the world stage.

The event, which ran from March 25 to March 30, 2025, at the TD Garden, drew large crowds and significant media attention, further solidifying Boston's reputation as a prime location for major sporting events. As the skaters prepare for the challenges ahead, their performances at this championship will undoubtedly influence their training and strategy as they head into the Olympic season.